PPSC Past Paper 2024

This question tests the correct preposition to use with the adjective “interested.” Prepositions often follow certain adjectives to form idiomatic phrases.

• The correct answer is in. The standard and grammatically correct phrase in English is “interested in.” This means having or showing curiosity or concern about something. For example, one is interested in a topic, a book, or a proposal.
• Using “by” (option C) with “interested” is less common and usually implies being affected or intrigued by something, rather than having a general interest.
• Using “on” (option D) is grammatically incorrect in this context. One might work on a proposal or focus on it, but not be interested on it.

The word yoke primarily refers to a wooden bar joining two animals, often oxen, for drawing a load, or a frame fitted to a person's shoulders for carrying pails. Metaphorically, it signifies something that binds, connects, or imposes servitude and restriction.

• A: Freedom is the correct antonym. Since 'yoke' implies being bound, controlled, or in servitude, 'freedom' directly opposes this by signifying liberation, independence, and the absence of restraint.
• B: Chain is a series of connected links used for fastening or securing. It is a synonym or closely related concept to 'yoke' in its sense of binding or restriction.
• C: Bond refers to a tie, link, or connection, often implying restriction or obligation. This makes it a synonym or related term, not an antonym.
• D: Harness is a set of straps used to control an animal or secure a person. It serves a similar function to a yoke in terms of control and connection, thus it is not an antonym.

The question asks for a word similar in meaning to “Knave.” A knave is an archaic term for a dishonest, unscrupulous, or mischievous man; a rogue.

• The correct answer is Rogue. A rogue is a dishonest or unprincipled man, often mischievous. This word is a direct synonym for
  

The phrase “dies away” is a phrasal verb. The verb 'die' means to cease to live or exist, and 'away' implies a movement from a place or state, often suggesting diminishing or receding.

• A: Disappear gradually is the correct meaning. When something 'dies away,' it means it fades, diminishes, or ceases to exist slowly over time. This can apply to sounds, feelings, light, or even traditions, indicating a slow process of vanishing or becoming less intense.
• B: Stay constant is the opposite of 'dies away.' If something dies away, it is changing and diminishing, not remaining the same.
• C: Increase rapidly is also the opposite. 'Dies away' implies a decrease, not an increase, and certainly not a rapid one.
• D: Become more vivid means to become more distinct or intense. This is contrary to 'dies away,' which implies fading or becoming less distinct.

The question asks for the synonym of “Scampering.” To scamper means to run with quick, light steps, often playfully, excitedly, or fearfully, typically used for small animals or children.

• The correct answer is Running. Scampering is a specific type of running characterized by quick, light steps. Therefore,
  

The word slovenly describes a person or their appearance as untidy and dirty, or work as careless and untidy. It implies a general lack of neatness, order, and cleanliness.

• C: Tidy is the correct antonym. 'Tidy' means arranged neatly and in order, or a person who is neat and orderly in appearance and habits. This is the direct opposite of being slovenly.
• A: Messy means untidy or dirty. This is a synonym or very close in meaning to 'slovenly,' not an antonym.
• B: Careless primarily means not paying enough attention or thought to avoid harm or error. While a slovenly person might be careless, 'careless' describes an attitude or action, whereas 'slovenly' describes a state of untidiness. It's a related characteristic but not the direct antonym for untidiness.
• D: Untidy means not neat or orderly. This is a direct synonym of 'slovenly,' not an antonym.

This question asks for the specific term for a child born after the father’s death. This situation has a unique designation in English vocabulary.

• The correct answer is Posthumous. A
  

The word frown refers to a facial expression indicating displeasure, anger, or concentration, typically characterized by furrowing one's brows and turning down the corners of the mouth.

• B: Smile is the correct antonym. A 'smile' is a facial expression indicating pleasure, amusement, or friendliness, typically by turning up the corners of the mouth. It is the direct opposite of a frown, which conveys negative emotions or seriousness.
• A: Glare means to stare in an angry or fierce way. This is a negative facial expression, similar in emotional context to a frown, and therefore not an antonym.
• C: Scowl means to frown in an angry or bad-tempered way. It is essentially a more intense or angry form of a frown, making it a synonym, not an antonym.
• D: Grimace is a contorted facial expression, typically indicating disapproval, pain, or disgust. While a different expression, it generally conveys negative feelings or discomfort, aligning more with the negative connotation of a frown rather than its opposite.

This question tests your knowledge of the subjunctive mood, which is used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, or conditions contrary to fact. The phrase “Would that I…” is a classic way to express a strong wish or desire.

• Correct Answer (B: were): In the subjunctive mood, particularly for wishes or hypothetical statements about the present or future that are contrary to fact, the verb “to be” takes the form “were” for all subjects, including “I.” Therefore, “Would that I were a king” correctly expresses a wish for a situation that is not currently true.
• Incorrect Distractors:
• (A: has been): This is the present perfect tense, which indicates an action completed in the past with relevance to the present, not a hypothetical wish.
• (C: am): This is the simple present tense, used for factual statements, not for expressing wishes contrary to fact.
• (D: have): This is also a simple present tense form or part of a perfect tense, and it is grammatically incorrect in this subjunctive context.

A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. The word "Quiet" describes a state of little or no noise, or a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

• The correct answer, Peace, is accurate because it signifies a state of tranquility, freedom from disturbance, and calmness, which closely aligns with the meaning of quiet. A quiet environment often evokes a sense of peace.
• Noisy is an antonym, meaning full of noise, directly opposite to quiet.
• Polite refers to good manners and respectful behavior, which is unrelated to sound levels.
• Confuse means to make someone bewildered or perplexed, a concept entirely distinct from quietness.

Understanding synonyms enhances vocabulary and comprehension.